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London steps up security for marathon

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Supporters voice solidarity with Boston as they cheer on the London runners

Runners joined a 30-second start-line silence in tribute to the Boston bombing

Security is ramped up for the event, with more police on the streets

Despite the spring sunshine, the start of the London Marathon on Sunday was a somber occasion.

Thousands of runners joined in a 30-second silence on the start line to remember those killed and injured by the blasts near the finish of the Boston Marathon on Monday.

Before the tribute, signaled by a whistle blast, an announcer told the massed runners: "We will join together in silence to remember our friends and colleagues for whom a day of joy turned into a day of sadness.

"Let us now show our respect and support for the victims of the tragedy in Boston."

The runners, many also wearing black ribbons as a Boston tribute, then poured over the start line to begin the 26.2-mile race.

Along the route, the mood became more festive, with loud cheers and applause for the passing runners from the spectators lining the barriers.

Tatyana McFadden, who won the women's wheelchair marathons in London on Sunday and in Boston last week, dedicated her Sunday victory to those who died or suffered in last week's Boston bombings.

"We hope such small acts will help the healing process. Other efforts are in the works," her mother, Deborah, told CNN.

McFadden, who was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, spent her early years in a Russian orphanage -- walking on her hands because she had no wheelchair -- but embraced athletics after she was adopted and brought to the United States by her new family.

The winner of the men's wheelchair race was Australia's Kurt Fearnley, and the winning runner in the men's elite race was Tsegaye Kebede of Ethiopia.

The first-placed runner in the elite women's event was Priscah Jeptoo of Kenya. Fellow countrywoman Edna Kiplagat came in second.

The race is being staged amid heightened security, as police take extra precautions after the Boston Marathon bombing six days ago.

Although some spectators admitted to slight apprehension about coming out Sunday, the prevailing mood seemed one of solidarity.

"If you live your life just scared of what's going to happen, you won't do much," one man near the finish line told CNN. "I think it's important everyone comes and just shows that there are thousands of people who are here for the right intentions."

More than three-quarters of those taking part in Sunday's race are raising money for charity.

Race organizers are also donating 2 British pounds to the One Fund Boston -- set up to help those most affected by the Boston bombing -- for each runner to cross the finish line.

With about 35,000 runners, that's expected to come to about $100,000.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson tweeted Sunday to wish all those involved in the event good luck and "a great day out," adding, "@bostonmarathon our thoughts are with you today."

Race director Hugh Brasher urged participants in an e-mail Friday not to lose sight of what the London Marathon stands for.

"One of the original aims of the London Marathon was 'to provide some fun and a sense of achievement in a troubled world,' " he wrote.

"Following the tragic events in Boston earlier this week, that goal will be even more meaningful when the running community comes together on the start line of this Sunday's race."

Several hundred additional officers were on the streets for the event, a move the Metropolitan Police said was intended to "provide visible reassurance to the participants and spectators."

Police also appealed for anyone there to take extra care with their belongings, to avoid sparking security scares.

Hundreds of thousands of spectators usually turn out to support those taking part in the race.

Chief Supt. Julia Pendry, police commander for the event, said police worked with the organizers, partners and other emergency services to ensure the right plans were in place.

"Following the terrible events in Boston, we are providing additional visible reassurance to the public in what is naturally a worrying time," she said.

"I would stress there is no change to the threat level to London and nothing at this stage to link the Boston bombings to the London marathon."

Will Geddes, managing director of threat management company International Corporate Protection, told CNN this week that it is "very difficult" to secure a marathon because of the length of the route.

Any potential terrorist "will be looking for the largest number of casualties they can achieve, so the start point and the finish point will no doubt be two areas the Metropolitan Police will be focusing on and how they can secure those," he said. But, he added, "to a certain degree, there is only so much they can do."

The course, which starts in southeast London, wends through the Canary Wharf business district and passes by some of the capital's most famous landmarks, including Tower Bridge and Westminster, before finishing near Buckingham Palace.

Last summer, authorities implemented a huge security plan to keep the city safe during the London Olympics.

And they sought to reassure the public ahead of Sunday's race, with calls for supporters to come out in droves to show solidarity after the tragic events in Boston.

Sport Minister Hugh Robertson told the UK public broadcaster, the BBC, "The best way for us to react is to push ahead with the marathon, to get people on the streets and to celebrate it as we always do in London -- and to send a very clear message that we won't be cowed by this sort of behavior."

The London Marathon's chief executive, Nigel Bitel, also said, "It's a great occasion, the London Marathon, and I know that people will want to come out and send a message of support to runners on the day."